Friday, March 14, 2008

What is Faith?

Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

As Christians, what are we sure of? What is our hope? What are we certain of, that we do not see? Our faith is in Jesus Christ who is at the right hand of God the Father! I am so sure and certain that Jesus is my salvation, that I'm going to follow and do everything He revealed to me in his earthly ministry. I'm going to read the gospels and study Jesus' teaching and apply it to my life. I am willing to lose everything this life has to offer, to follow Jesus, because I am confident that He is God's Son and my Hope. This is faith.

John 20:29
"Then Jesus told [Thomas], "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

To Love God And All People,

Pastor Eric

This Week's New Articles on the Website

Children's Ministry Meeting: March 16
Children's Meeting Minutes from Feb
Boise State Football Mens Group
NCAA Bracket Competition
Computer Gaming Party in April
Coed Softball Information
Caravan Pinewood Derby & Badges
Valentines Dinner Results & Pictures
Caravan Skate Night (Pictures)
Big City Notes from March 9th
Trinity Pines Camp Video
Summer Camps Information
Summer Camps Need Help!

Is it possible to be "sincerely wrong"?

In other words, if you think with all that is within you that what you believe is right, can you still be incorrect? You’re saying, “Well, of course! Like, duh!”
What about the person who finds themselves daydreaming while driving and unintentionally exceeds the posted speed limit? They sincerely were not aware that at that moment in time they had creped over the line of right and wrong. The traffic cop may be understanding but most likely he will write a citation.
That was a pretty easy one. How about this? There are millions of people across the earth who believe as strongly as you or I do, or maybe even more so, that they are “right with God” through their genuine faith in the teachings of Buddha, Mohammad, or Hindu. Many are honorable, respectable citizens who endeavor to be good neighbors and do what is right. How could anyone say these people are wrong? In John 14:6 “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
One final example – my good friend Les who at 78 years of age was in a nursing home where I conducted worship services each week. He was a good man. He’d never spent any time in prison. I did not know of any times when he had intentionally hurt others. But after years of hearing my Bible preaching there at the nursing home, and myself and others in the church just visiting and caring about him, Les still would not accept Christ as his Savior. He seemed to really believe the old saying, “When my life is over, turn out the lights – the party is over.” Unfortunately, if this remained his sincere belief until his dying day he was sincerely wrong.
Let’s ask God to help us reach and teach the gospel to these “good people” who without Jesus will someday be sadly mistaken.
Pastor Ron

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Upcoming Events

Saturday, March 15th
- Kids Quiz Meet
8:30am at the Nampa Bethel Church of the Nazarene. This is their final meet of the year.
- Family Movie Night
6:00pm in the Sanctuary. We will be playing "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". All our welcome to attend. Bring your own drinks and a snack to share.
Sunday, March 16th
- Palm Sunday
- Children's Ministry Meeting
6:00pm in Big City. We will be working through the formation of our team and the next month's activities. All our welcome to attend. Questions? See Pastor Brian.

What's going on in the Teen Ministry

As a reminder, this Saturday 3/15/08 is “Family Movie Night”. We will be watching C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; an awesome allegory of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through the eyes of Lewis we see that the Christian life is a Spiritual Battlefield, we must be prepared! You might have watched this movie before, hey you might even own this movie, but come join us on Saturday at 6:00pm and celebrate the Easter season with the Kuna-Naz. Church family! It’s a ‘Snack-luck’ (bring a snack to share) time of fellowship, remember drinks are on your own. May God speak a new message of hope to you during this Holy time of year.
Pastor Dewey

What's going on in the Kids Ministry

Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines!
There are several deadlines that are approaching that you need to be aware of.
1. If your child would like to be on the Easter Children's Worship Team, the deadline to sign up is Sunday, March 16th. They will also need to attend practice at 6:30pm, Tuesday, March 18th.
2. If you would like to donate candy for the Easter Egg Hunt (and I really hope you do), we need it by Wednesday, March 19th. The teens will be stuffing the eggs that night.
3. If your 5th to 7th grader would like to be a part of the Club57: Discovering My Faith class, please sign up by Sunday, March 30th. More details here. I highly encourage this class!
4. If your child or you would like to be baptized on April 6th, we would really like to know by Sunday, March 30th. Many of the kids have said they are interested. Please talk to them about it.
5. If you would like to save up to $70 on summer camp, register and pay a $50 deposit by Monday, April 1st. We would really like to see everyone go to camp. If you cannot afford the whole amount, please talk to me before the deadline- we have some options. I will be going to the Coed Kids Camp (July 14-18), if you would like your child at my camp. More details about camp here.
We have been having some incredibly rich times in Big City and in the Big City Stations. I am trying to keep up on the Big City notes. Last week's notes are posted here. We have spent the last two months on the journey to the cross. This week will have them sealing and guarding the tomb. We will be talking about hope. Was all hope lost or is God still in control? How about in your life? Is God still in control there?
God is good!
Pastor Brian